Luxury Self-Drive Tour in Southern Italy

Amalfi Coast, Basilicata & Puglia

This Tour is 100% Customizable

Self-Drive in Southern Italy

  • Tour starts in Naples
  • Tour ends in Bari
  • Arrival at Naples Airport (NAP) and departure from Bari Airport (BRI)

BEST PERIOD

April-June & September-October

 

Duration

12 days & 11 nights

DISTANCE

Approx. 1,000 km

BEST CAR

Land Rover Defender

Tour Highlights

  • Discover Portugal’s most iconic and hidden regions on a flexible, self-drive itinerary
  • Join immersive local experiences, from baking pastéis de nata to cooking in the Douro
  • Stay in handpicked boutique hotels full of local character, from riverside estates to clifftop retreats
  • Uncover the rich layers of Portuguese culture through guided tastings, artisan visits, and evenings of live Fado

Portugal is one of those rare places where everything feels effortlessly right—sun-warmed cobbled streets, meals that stretch into the afternoon, and landscapes that shift from vineyard-covered valleys to cliff-lined coastlines in the space of a few hours. Over twelve days, this self-drive journey has been designed to bring you deeper into the country’s rhythm, far beyond the usual paths and right into the places where Portugal’s quiet magic lives.

From the vineyards of the Douro to the sun-drenched cliffs of the Algarve, Portugal has a way of drawing you in—always with something unexpected. You might find yourself tasting wine where it’s made, walking through centuries-old university halls in Coimbra, or listening to Fado spill out of a tucked-away tavern in Lisbon. In Porto, it’s the scent of salted cod and the gleam of filigree that stay with you; in Sintra, it’s the misty forests and storybook palaces. Each place has its own feel, its own rhythm—and discovering them by road makes it all the more personal.

We’ve stitched together each moment—from hotels with true character to experiences led by those who live them every day—to give you a Portugal that’s immersive, intimate, and quietly unforgettable. The freedom of the open road, with every detail taken care of. Just as it should be.

amalfi-coast-coastal-village-terrace

Arrival & Amalfi Coast

Begin along the Amalfi Coast, where coastal roads, hillside villages, and open water define the first stretch of your Southern Italy journey. You may spend a day by boat around Capri, visit a local lemon farm for a tasting, or take to the trails for a hike above the sea. The pace is relaxed, with time to enjoy the coastline of this beautiful region of Italy.

matera-streets-village

Basilicata

Continue inland to Matera, a town shaped by stone and history. Here, you might join a traditional bread workshop or share a candlelit dinner set within the village itself. The atmosphere is quieter and more traditional, offering a different rhythm and perspective on Southern Italy.

puglia-coastal-houses

Puglia

End your journey in Puglia, where whitewashed villages and olive groves stretch toward the coast. Optional experiences include cycling through Alberobello by e-bike, learning to make burrata at a local dairy, or spending a day on the water near Lecce. It’s a region best enjoyed at an easy pace, with time built in to explore.

bari-view-from-above

Departure

A private chauffeur will transfer you to Bari Airport for your departure, bringing your journey through Southern Italy to a smooth and seamless close.

drivuso-southern-italy-map

Whether you’re exploring options or ready to begin crafting a bespoke self-drive itinerary for your client, schedule a one-on-one call or reach out to us directly.

Contact our team

Luxury Hotels in Southern Italy

Luxury Private Experiences in Southern Italy

Why choose DRIVUSO for a Self-Drive Tour in Italy?

Our team of experts dedicates time and care to understanding the nuances of each destination, ensuring your clients enjoy a seamless, end-to-end experience. Thanks to our trusted network of partners, we handpick the finest hotels, restaurants, and experiences, while crafting routes that highlight the most scenic and rewarding roads. Throughout the journey, our concierge team is available 24/7 to support both you and your clients, handling last-minute changes, reservations, and special requests.

Our services

  • ^Driving route planning and route GPS
  • ^24/7 concierge service
  • ^Digital and paper roadbook
  • ^Suggested stops, restaurant reservations and more
  • ^Modify your trip anytime

Luxury Car Rental in Southern Italy

  • personal delivery & collection
  • guaranteed make and model
  • all-inclusive pricing

FAQ

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What is special about Southern Italy?

Southern Italy offers contrast within relatively short distances. The Amalfi Coast is defined by steep cliffs and compact seaside towns. Basilicata introduces a more rugged, less developed landscape with historic cave dwellings and quiet inland roads. Puglia opens into flatter terrain, olive groves, and a long Adriatic coastline. Across the region, traditions remain strong and daily life feels less hurried than in the north.

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What is the best period to visit Southern Italy?

May to June and September are generally the most comfortable months. The weather is warm, the sea is accessible, and visitor numbers are lower than in peak summer. July and August are busy, particularly along the Amalfi Coast, and temperatures can be high inland.

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What are the best cities in Southern Italy?

Along the Amalfi Coast, Positano and Ravello are well known for their coastal views. Matera, in Basilicata, stands out for its historic stone districts carved into rock. In Puglia, Alberobello is recognised for its trulli houses, while Lecce reflects baroque architecture and a lively town centre. Polignano a Mare and Ostuni provide coastal and hilltop settings with easy access to the sea.

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What is the best way to tour Portugal?

A car is the most practical option, especially for Basilicata and Puglia where public transport connections are limited. While trains connect major cities such as Naples and Bari, many smaller towns and rural areas are easier to reach by road. Driving also allows flexibility along the Amalfi Coast, though traffic can be heavier during the summer months.

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